PM Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11.1-6

Brent T. Willey

THE FAITH THAT SAVES

Hebrews 11.6

Introduction:

1. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (Heb. 11.6).
2. This passage articulates one of the great themes of the Bible: the essentiality of The Faith That Saves!
3. But “faith” in what? It is a couplet requiring faith in two facts…

THAT GOD TRULY EXISTS!

1. To “please Him” involves faithful obedience to God’s Word, “even unto death” (Rom. 10.17; cf., Rev. 2.10).
2. To believe in the unequivocal truths:
   1. God’s existence & Creative power. (Gen. 1.1; Psa. 33.9)
   2. His salvation through Christ. (John 1.1-14; 8.24; Acts 4.12)
   3. His Word will judge us. (John 12.48; Rom. 2.16)

THAT GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM!

1. Once we believe that “He exists,” we must also have faith that “He rewards those who seek Him.”
   1. NKJ: “diligently seek Him” – NIV: “earnestly seek Him”
   2. Ekzēteō(e)kzhte/w):to seek diligently or carefully (Vine).
2. Have faith in His desire to reward the faithful! (2 Pet. 3.9)
   1. Abraham had it! (Gen. 22; cf., Heb. 11.17-19)
   2. Joshua & Caleb had it! (Num. 13; 14.24)
   3. Daniel & his friends had it! (Dan. 3.16-18; 6.10)
   4. Paul had it! (2 Tim. 1.12; 4.6-8)
3. Hebrews 11 is not about sinless people, but about faithful people who longed for God’s promises. (Heb. 11.13-16)

Conclusion: Do you have the faith that God will reward you?